Best VPN to use for streaming online content in 2025

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, it offers users the ability to create secure, encrypted communication via an internet connection. In other words, a VPN offers access to your own private network by routing your internet traffic through a remote server, which is hosted by the VPN provider of your choosing. 

The main benefits of a VPN are to make your time online safe, encrypting your data so it remains protected by hiding your IP address which makes you less susceptible to those who wish to steal your personal data.

READ MORE: What is a VPN and how are they used?

If you value your privacy, then it is a logical investment. It’s practical for all scenarios, whether you're at home and want added reassurance you are protected or are out and about. 

For those who travel extensively abroad, using a VPN can prove hugely practical. For example, you can watch various subscription services that would otherwise be inaccessible wherever you are going.

While sceptics may be weary about using VPNs, they are extremely easy to navigate and are 100% legal in most countries. Peace of mind is what you’d get from using a service like NordVPN, a provider known for their strong encryption and overall efficiency.

READ MORE: How to set up a VPN

Aside from personal security, there are some really good reasons you might wish to use a VPN.

You can stream media in countries that are territory specific, meaning you can bypass any access restrictions when travelling abroad and wish to watch your own country’s content. This means you won’t miss out on your favourite shows or live television channels just because you are in a different part of the world. Likewise, you can watch another country’s geo-restricted content from the comfort of your own home via a VPN. 

Geo-restricted content can apply to television channels, On-Demand content on streaming websites such as Paramount+ or Apple TV+, as well as sporting events, like Sky Sports broadcasts of Premier League football. So with a VPN, these types of restrictions would become a thing of the past.

READ MORE: Which is the best VPN to use in the UK?

A provider such as NordVPN prevents Internet Service Providers (ISP) from speed throttling. This is a process whereby the provider you’re using will impact your connection speed (more so during peak hours) based on what you’re using it for. Employing a VPN eradicates that issue due to its safeguarding against any third party seeing what you’re doing, thus maintaining faster internet speeds for the sports event or TV programme you’re watching.

When using a VPN, speed loss is something that occurs because you are essentially redirecting your traffic through another channel (aka a VPN). However, that doesn’t always mean your connection speed dwindles, and it varies considerably depending on the provider. Compared to its competitors, NordVPN stands out. Its speed loss in 2024 is just 11%. When you put that into context alongside Mullvad’s 13%, Surfshark’s 17%, and ProtonVPN’s 21%, the winner is obvious.

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With NordVPN, it really is a case of safety first. Bear in mind that using their VPN prevents the risk of streaming on insecure networks; it also shields you from hackers and prevents the ISPs from slowing down the connection to whatever it is you’re streaming. It’s also imperative for accessing sensitive content. For example, it’ll reduce any restrictions on censorship in non-democratic countries.

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When considering a VPN for streaming, it’s important to consider the following.

• Does the VPN have a dedicated app for tvOS or Android TV? (They make using a VPN far easier).

• Is the VPN compatible with a variety of routers for seamless access? 

• Free VPNs may sound appealing but are often very limited in bandwidth, speed and availability.

• Find a fast one that’ll enhance your streaming experience, not hinder it.

• A VPN with thousands of servers across dozens of countries will provide the best speeds.

• Does it have enhanced security features for better overall performance and safety?

• What’s the customer service like in case there are any technical problems?

✓ NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, with dedicated apps available on various devices, supported on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV and more.

✓ NordVPN offers in excess of 8,100 servers in more than 126 locations, including the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific regions and Europe, giving customers a number of flexible options.

✓ Because availability is so widespread, you’ll always have a fast server at your fingertips.

✓ It’s a four-times audited no-logs service, giving customers further peace of mind in regard to their privacy.

✓ NordVPN offers 24/7 customer service, with a support team on-hand to help.

✓ It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), making your data as secure as it can possibly be.

✓ It provides speciality servers that increase user security and bypass various other restrictions.

✓ NordVPN uses Threat Protection Pro which offers stronger security beyond standard VPN protection. This means even safer web browsing, detecting phishing and malicious websites, blocking ads and trackers, and knowing when files are infected.

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While each provider has its own unique packages and pricing plans, with NordVPN standing out as the best option, here is a look at the deals they have in place.

Each subscription offers a 30-day money back guarantee and various levels of cloud storage and add-on security functions. Obviously the longer you commit, the more benefits you receive (and the lower its monthly charges are). That said, the month-to-month payment plans can cost more and also provide more too.

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If you’re looking for a reliable service that offers impressively quick speeds, safety and personal security, then NordVPN is your best bet. 

Not only do they offer affordable deals for short or long term use, but also the fastest upload and download speeds on the market, making it the ideal VPN for watching live or OD content. 

So when it comes to streaming, NordVPN appears to be the strongest performance-based company available.

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